About the SOC Membership

The Society of Camera Operators’ membership is made up of camera operators, camera assistants, still photographers, directors of photography, grips and others. 64% of active members are based in the Western states, 14% in the Northeast, 13% in the South, and 5% in the Midwest. The SOC also has 5% international membership, in countries such as Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia and Afghanistan.

Over 65% of the members are also owner/operators, and most of our membership either owns their own gear, works directly with the DP, director or the production in choosing gear for the project.

The SOC is not a guild or union, but 67% of the members are also members of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.

The SOC membership works on many types of productions with feature films, television scripted/single camera, television scripted/multi-camera, and commercials the most prevalent.

The current membership has grown over the years. Over 16% of the SOC members have been members for 16 to 20 years. 11% of our membership have been in the SOC for at least 3 years.

The Society worked hard to negotiate with the AMPTP to include the SOC initials following the screen credits of our active members who are camera operators.